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[Page 2]
what had so rashly been committed. That though he was then labouring under oppression, I considered him the Governor in full respect, as when he was in possession of the authority.
Seeing the depression of Gov. Bligh's spirits, which proceeded not altogether I suspected from the outrage that had been committed, but also from the recent death of his son-in-law, (Mr Portland) by being in deep mourning, and together with what he had said to me, made such an impression upon my mind as totally to engross my whole thoughts during my return home. I that had hitherto thought of being silent, or interfering as little as I possibly could help, was now too well convinced from my connection, that something more might be demand from me. When His Majesty's representative wished me to write to you by being deprived of the means of doing it himself, it became my duty to use my best endeavours to accomplish the design, for it was evident that Government stood in need of the information. Private opinions, or animosities, proceeding from however just causes ought always to give way to the public welfare. They who indulge themselves in such vindictive gratifications, so as to deflect and baffle the intents of justice, betray a great weakness of their understanding; and their character in the long sustains an irrepairable injury. By such misapplication of the mind, many a bright shining character has lost its lustre, and at last become buried in the dark shades of oblivion. Having weighed the matter well and come to a resolution, I shortly waited upon Gov. Bligh again, (this being the last time of seeing him) to inform him that I would write to you let the consequence be what it would. A friend of his happening to call upon him at the moment, and interested in the cause, said that it would be dangerous, for he was fully of opinion that whatever was written would intercepted. Gov. Bligh then said, that he should be very sorry for any person to come to any harm through attempting to serve him: and on that account it was agreed, it was better to be silent than to write. However what I had before imbibed, I could not erase from my mind, and resolved to write merely on my account, but not being thoroughly acquainted when a ship would sail, I lost the first opportunity by the ship (Dart) having sailed prior to my going again to Sydney; and I was obliged to leave any letter (which bore date April 14 - 1808) to be forwarded by another (Brothers) which sailed shortly after. It was my intention to have forwarded a letter by both ships.
At the time of writing the above letter it was said, that Col. Paterson on hearing what had been done was very much displeased, and had given orders